Amadou is a masculine given name of West African origin, specifically from the Mandinka people who primarily inhabit Senegal and the Gambia. The name is derived from the Mandinka word "ama" meaning peace, and "dou" which means life or living.
The name Amadou has been popular among the Mandinka people for centuries and has gained international recognition due to notable individuals bearing this name, such as Amadou Hampâté Bâ, a Malian historian, sociologist, and author who was known for his significant contributions to the preservation of African culture and oral tradition.
Amadou is often given to male children in hopes that they will grow up to be peaceful and virtuous individuals. It has also gained popularity among other African cultures as well as globally due to its appealing sound and meaning. While it may not have direct references to religious figures or specific historical events, the name Amadou carries a rich cultural heritage and conveys a powerful message of peace and life.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trend of the number of births with the name Amadou in the United States from 1992 to 2023.
The earliest data point is from 1992, with only 6 births recorded. The following year, there were 9 births, indicating a slight increase. In 1994, the number of births rose to 10, and this trend continued with 8 births in both 1995 and 1996.
However, starting from 1997, we see a significant uptick in the number of births with the name Amadou. There were 17 births that year, more than doubling the previous years' totals. This growth continued into the next decade, reaching its peak in 2008 with 59 births.
After 2008, the number of births with the name Amadou began to fluctuate but remained relatively high compared to the early 1990s. There were 49 births in 2009 and 44 births in both 2010 and 2011.
The years from 2012 to 2016 showed a slight decline, with an average of about 43 births per year. However, there was another spike in 2015 with 57 births, followed by a drop to 37 births in 2016.
From 2017 onwards, the number of births with the name Amadou has been relatively stable, hovering around the mid-to-high thirties. The most recent data point is from 2023, with 39 births recorded.
In total, there have been 1,133 births with the name Amadou in the United States between 1992 and 2023. This shows a consistent presence of the name over time, with notable periods of increased popularity.